Clinton Confirmed as Secretary of State

On Wednesday, January 21, 2009, former U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton was confirmed by a vote of 94-2 in the Senate and, soon after, sworn-in as the nation's 67th Secretary of State. On Tuesday, January 13, Clinton testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in a hearing led by Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.)

In her opening statement, she vowed to renew U.S. leadership through a "smart power" combination of diplomacy and defense. "We must use what has been called 'smart power,' the full range of tools at our disposal," she said. "With 'smart power,' diplomacy will be the vanguard of foreign policy." Clinton also called for a 'renewal of American leadership' and a ‘revitalization of diplomacy to promote our security interests and advance our values.'

She believes, that diplomacy must be at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy, and that it must be balanced with military power in ways that work for the 21st century, saying "We must build a world with more partners and fewer adversaries." Clinton was praised by her colleagues for her understanding of a broad range of U.S. foreign policy issues. In opening the hearing, Chairman Kerry said that he welcomed Clinton's nomination, calling her "extraordinarily capable and smart."

On Thursday, January 22, in welcoming remarks to State Department employees, Secretary Clinton referenced President Obama's inaugural address in highlighting the administration's commitment "to advancing America's national security, furthering America's interests, and respecting and exemplifying America's values around the world."